Now that the NHL has returned to Winnipeg, Quebec is the center of questions concerning its possibility for landing a team. Fans left high and dry when the Nordiques left in 1995 to become the Colorado Avalanche have high hopes.

They'd better not let them get out of hand.

The Quebec Nordiques left Canada in 1995. Pictures is former forward Paul Gillis. (AP Photo) AP

"Atlanta moving is unique to Atlanta," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said after Tuesday's news conference to announce the Thrashers' sale and transfer.

"We will continue to resist moving franchises because as I said, it is not about which [location] is better. It is about where we are and trying to preserve the community and the community's interest and the community's identity and love affair with its franchise, and we're not going to trifle with that."

Bettman's message doesn't need to be translated to French for Quebec fans to get the drift.

That likely won't end the enthusiasm in the region, where plans are being laid for an NHL-ready venue. Canadian media giant Quebecor has agreed to finance the stadium in hopes of luring a United States-based NHL team in financial straits.

Publicly, Quebecor expressed its happiness for Winnipeg and new team owner True North Sports and Entertainment. But Serge Sasseville, Quebecor's vice president of corporate and institutional affairs, refused comment to Canada's National Post when asked about the company's thoughts on Bettman's statement.

Quebec City Mayor Régis Labeaume was less reserved when reached for comment after Tuesday's announcement

"I'm angry and very, very bitter," Labeaume told Postmedia. "We should be in a blitz with the NHL to make sure we're next on the list (after Winnipeg) but instead, we are here fighting a minority."

Hearings are scheduled this week in Parliament on proposals to further construction of a $400 million arena to replace Le Colisee, the 60-year-old barn the Nordiques called home. Quebecor is willing to chip in millions for the venue, the National Post reported. Expected completion date is 2015.